Action Comics #1001

Brian Michael Bendis’ run on Action Comics begins with the writer quickly putting to rest the rumors that Superman is responsible for the rash of fires in Metropolis. The idea that a criminal would pay a kid to implicate the Man of Steel to shift the investigation offers some reasoning for the bombshell and also temporarily hinders Superman’s investigation (although is likely a big mistake in the long term).

From its opening scene involving a pair of criminals attempting armed robbery in Metropolis to later scenes showcasing a hidden underworld criminal and his enterprise, the issue gives us a look at criminal life in the big city showcasing the trouble of fighting Superman in public (to hilarious results) and why its best to fight the Kryptonian from the shadows.

We also get introduced to a new super-powered threat in Red Cloud (think Livewire except on fire?) who may have ties to Clark Kent’s world as well as Superman’s. Hmmm…. Worth a look.